“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert.” Isaiah 43:18-19.
As we journey through life we will face many challenges and setbacks, but I’m here today to offer you a few words of encouragement. God is the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2. Nothing we do or fall short of doing catches our Heavenly Father by surprise. He is always there and watches over us – the LORD is as close as the shade on our right hand. Psalm 121:5.
When life gives us lemons, we must make lemonade! The Bible offers several principles and teachings that can encourage us to overcome our past and move forward in our lives: Here are some I use to guide me during my meditation:
- Forgiveness: One of the central themes in the Bible is forgiveness. It encourages us to forgive others who have wronged us, just as God forgives them. This includes forgiving oneself for past mistakes and failures as well.
- Letting Go: The Bible teaches about letting go of the past and not dwelling on former things. Philippians 3:13-14 says, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
- Renewal of the Mind: Romans 12:2 instructs believers to renew their minds, which involves adjusting their thinking patterns. This will require the help of the Holy Spirit. By focusing on God’s truth and promises, we can overcome negative thought patterns and behaviors from our past.
- New Identity in Christ: The Bible teaches that we are made new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). This means that our past can no longer define us, and we can find our identity and worth in Christ rather than in our past mistakes or experiences.
- Seeking God’s Help: Through prayer, meditation, and seeking guidance from God, we can find strength and wisdom to overcome the challenges of our past. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all this through Christ who gives me strength.”
- Community Support: The Bible emphasizes the importance of community and fellowship with other believers. Being part of a supportive community can provide encouragement, and accountability, and help individuals overcome the effects of their past.
Overall, the Bible teaches that through our faith in God and His grace, we can find the strength and courage necessary to overcome our past and live a more fulfilling life in the present and future.